world lit

Question 1

Persona

Answer 1

In literature and drama, a persona refers to a character’s role or mask presented to others, often distinct from their true self.

Question 2

Gilgamesh

Answer 2

A legendary king in ancient Mesopotamian mythology and literature, known from the epic of Gilgamesh, who seeks immortality.

Question 3

Enkidu

Answer 3

A central figure in the Epic of Gilgamesh, Enkidu is a wild man created by the gods to humble Gilgamesh, but later becomes his loyal friend.

Question 4

Trial and Temptation

Answer 4

A narrative motif where a character undergoes challenges or moral dilemmas that test their resolve or character.

Question 5

Agamemnon

Answer 5

In Greek mythology, a king of Mycenae and leader of the Greek forces during the Trojan War, infamous for his role in the myth of the sacrifice of his daughter Iphigenia.

Question 6

Penelope

Answer 6

In Greek mythology, the wife of Odysseus, known for her fidelity and cleverness in warding off suitors during Odysseus’s long absence.

Question 7

Hera

Answer 7

In Greek mythology, the queen of the gods, wife and sister of Zeus, associated with marriage, childbirth, and family.

Question 8

Oracle / Soothsayer / Prophesier

Answer 8

A person or place regarded as a source of divine wisdom or prophecy, offering insights into future events.

Question 9

Oedipus

Answer 9

A tragic hero of Greek mythology, who unwittingly fulfills a prophecy that he will kill his father and marry his mother, leading to his downfall.

Question 10

Jocasta

Answer 10

In Greek mythology, the mother and wife of Oedipus, who tragically realizes her relationship with Oedipus after many years.

Question 11

Nausicaa

Answer 11

In Homer’s Odyssey, the princess of the Phaeacians who discovers Odysseus washed ashore and helps him return to Ithaca.

Question 12

Jason

Answer 12

The hero of Greek mythology who leads the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece, facing various trials and challenges.

Question 13

Orpheus

Answer 13

A legendary musician and poet in Greek mythology, known for his ability to charm all living things with his music.

Question 14

Arachne

Answer 14

In Greek mythology, a talented mortal weaver who challenges Athena to a weaving contest and is transformed into a spider as punishment.

Question 15

Medusa

Answer 15

In Greek mythology, one of the Gorgons with snakes for hair, whose gaze turns people to stone.

Question 16

Circe

Answer 16

A sorceress in Greek mythology, who turns Odysseus’s men into swine before being persuaded to release them.

Question 17

Lotus Plant

Answer 17

In Greek mythology, a plant whose fruit and flowers cause those who eat them to become lethargic and forgetful.

Question 18

Golden Fleece

Answer 18

In Greek mythology, the fleece of the winged ram that was sought by Jason and the Argonauts as a symbol of kingship and authority.

Question 19

Glauce

Answer 19

In Greek mythology, the daughter of King Creon of Corinth, who becomes the unwitting victim of Medea’s revenge.

Question 20

Xenia

Answer 20

In ancient Greece, the concept of hospitality and guest-friendship, considered a sacred obligation.

Question 21

Minstrel

Answer 21

A medieval European entertainer who performed songs, poetry, and stories, often traveling from place to place.

Question 22

Greek Drama

Answer 22

The theatrical traditions of ancient Greece, encompassing tragedies, comedies, and satyr plays performed in open-air amphitheaters.

Question 23

Aristotelian Tragic Hero

Answer 23

A protagonist in a tragedy, as defined by Aristotle, who possesses noble qualities but suffers a downfall due to a tragic flaw (hamartia).

Question 24

Exile

Answer 24

The state of being barred from one’s native country, typically as a punishment or due to political reasons.

Question 25

Swollen Foot

Answer 25

A literal translation of “Oedipus,” referring to the protagonist of the Greek myth who fulfills a prophecy of killing his father and marrying his mother.